One element of camera is dislocated - blurry photos

I bought second hand iPhone 4s on eBay. I knew that parts might not be original but I have been told that everything works except mute button.

I have realised while making a photo of book cover that I was not able to take clear image of book title...no matter how hard I tried... I took my smashed iPhone 4s and I made a clear photo. My partner started looking on all photos which I made earlier and turned out that all of them are blurry.

There is one element of camera dislocated (kind of like moon shaped, please look at the photo number 1) which probably causes the problems while making photos. Also camera is sticking out from cover about 1 mm, not like in my old original iPhone.

I have checked eBay seller photographs and this "moon shaped" element is on his photos as well.

The bottom line is that the seller says that he sold me iPhone which works...I am saying that camera is broken and takes blurry photos. Could you please tell me if I am right? Can this "moon shaped" element in camera be the cause of blurry photos?

There is another issue with this phone...when I checked in settings its serial number and put online I have got this message:

We’re sorry, but this is a serial number for a product that has been replaced. Please check your information and re-enter your serial number. If your information is correct, you may need to contact us.

I contacted the seller and requested return but he declines it saying the iPhone is fully working.

1 Answer

The images you posted are hard to see what is causing the effect. Its either staining on the cover glass or the camera unit its self is bad. You'll need to open it up to get a better idea which. Here's the IFIXIT guide: iPhone 4S Rear Camera Replacement. First see if the cover glass needs cleaning on the inside surface. If thats not it then its time for a new camera unit: iPhone 4S Rear Camera Used $8.95 New $24.95 US. If you don't have the tools then you'll end up needing them or having to pay someone to do it for you. In that case I'd get the mute button fixed as well.

I would post a complaint with the hosting company so others don't get taken by this person and you might still get your money back through them. The squeaky wheel get the grease as they say!

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